THE CROP of Oakleigh Chargers headed for the top of this year's NAB AFL Draft has been highly touted for some time.

Midfield pair Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell are the early leaders in the battle for this year's No.1 pick, Dylan Williams might be the most talented forward in the pool and Trent Bianco is a first-round midfield prospect.

Now a fifth name has emerged for the Chargers early in the NAB League season.

Nick Bryan's early form at under-18 level has seen him catch the eye of recruiters, with some already discussing the 202cm ruckman as the best of his type in 2019.

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He has also been rewarded with selection in the 26-player squad to play for the Australian under-18s against the Casey Demons VFL team at the MCG on April 20.

"I was shocked when I was told about it. I was not expecting it at all so I'm super-excited," Bryan told AFL.com.au.

"I hadn't thought about it or thought it was achievable, so it was awesome news.

"I'm pretty happy with how I've started the season. Last year I didn't get a proper pre-season in because I had a few injuries with my knees, so I'm a lot fitter coming into the year."

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The squad for the game, which is set to be broadcast live on Fox Footy from 11am, was picked by club recruiters and the AFL, and came largely from the teams that featured on the MCG in last year's Grand Final curtain-raiser.

However, Bryan's form has seen him added to the group, and he has attracted attention for his ability at ground level as well as at the stoppages.

"I'm obviously lightly-framed, so I try to play that role as a fourth midfielder and try to run off the ball and get used there after the ruck contests," the 17-year-old said.

The five Chargers are among eight players from the Vic Metro region to be selected, while Vic Country has had six players picked, including likely early choice Hayden Young, a running defender.

Classy prospect Dylan Stephens and readymade defender Will Gould headline the four South Australians picked, while Kysaiah Pickett, the nephew of Port Adelaide Norm Smith medalist Byron, booted six goals for Woodville West Torrens' reserves side last week and also took a spectacular high grab.

The teams will play for the AFL Commission Chairman's Cup, with the best afield awarded the MCC President's Medal. Previous winners have included top picks Lachie Whitfield, Tom Boyd, Cam Rayner, Angus Brayshaw and Ben King.

"It's going to be a good challenge coming up against mature bodies, but it's a great opportunity for me," Bryan said.

Noah Anderson (right) is touted as a potential No.1 draft pick. Picture: AFL Photos

Australian under-18 side

Tom Green (GWS Academy, NSW-ACT)
Liam Delahunty (GWS Academy, NSW-ACT)
Malcolm Rosas Jr (NT Academy, Northern Territory)
Will Martyn (Brisbane Lions Academy, QLD)
Will Gould (Glenelg, SA)
Dylan Stephens (Norwood, SA)
Kysaiah Pickett (Woodville West Torrens, SA)
Jackson Mead (Woodville West Torrens, SA)
Mitch O'Neill (Tasmania Academy, Tasmania)
Brodie Kemp (Bendigo Pioneers, Vic Country)
Hayden Young (Dandenong Stingrays, Vic Country)
Cooper Stephens (Geelong Falcons, Vic Country)
Caleb Serong (Gippsland Power, Vic Country)
Sam Flanders (Gippsland Power, Vic Country)
Lachlan Ash (Murray Bushrangers, Vic Country)
Matt Rowell (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic Metro)
Trent Bianco (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic Metro)
Noah Anderson (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic Metro)
Dylan Williams (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic Metro)
Nick Bryan (Oakleigh Chargers, Vic Metro)
Joshua Worrell (Sandringham Dragons, Vic Metro)
Fischer McAsey (Sandringham Dragons, Vic Metro)
Emerson Jeka (Western Jets, Vic Metro)
Jeremy Sharp (East Fremantle, WA)
Luke Jackson (East Fremantle, WA)
Deven Robertson (Perth, WA)

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